The Winnipeg Jets are looking to further strengthen their roster ahead of the new NHL season and have completed two important moves to support head coach Scott Arniel’s planning. In addition to securing an experienced profile, they have also finalized an extension for a prospect.
The Jets are entering a key transitional phase under Arniel, who took over as head coach following Rick Bowness’s departure. After an impressive 2024–25 regular season, the main goal now is to solidify the young core and ensure consistency in the playoffs.
With a roster led by Connor Hellebuyck, Josh Morrissey, and Kyle Connor, the Jets aim to maintain a competitive structure and deepen their lineup. In this sense, management moved quickly to avoid potential contract conflicts and reinforce overall roster stability.
The Jets’ two recent extensions
The Jets secured depth forward Morgan Barron on a two-year, $3.7 million extension, carrying an annual average value of $1.85 million, thus avoiding salary arbitration. This agreement strengthens Winnipeg’s depth while maintaining contract harmony and preserving resources to keep building the roster for next season.
Morgan Barron of the Jets
The Canadian franchise also re-signed defense prospect Tyrel Bauer on a one-year, two-way contract for the upcoming season, ensuring his place within the organization between the NHL and AHL. In the 2024–25 campaign, Bauer played 59 games with the Manitoba Moose.
see also
NHL News: Jets sign former Connor Bedard teammate from the Blackhawks to show strength after Nikolaj Ehlers’ exit
What is salary arbitration?
Salary arbitration is a formal process used to resolve salary disputes between a player (usually young or early in their career) and their team when they can’t agree on a new contract value. A neutral arbitrator listens to both sides’ arguments and ultimately sets the player’s salary for the next season (or up to two years).
